career-break

Sabbaticals are a time of leave from a job for self-exploration and rejuvenation. While there has been an increase in sabbaticals or career breaks due to the Great Resignation and the pandemic, there are still many skeptics about this sabbatical idea since it is not a mainstream concept. 

If you thought about taking a career break or sabbatical and decided to share the idea with a friend, family, and/or colleague, I am sure there was a pause, exasperation, or a crazy look. I say this because I experienced it.  Then there was the flurry of questions, what will you do, what about insurance, how will you pay your bills? These questions can stop you dead in your tracks and make it feel impossible.

However, taking a sabbatical is a good idea! Especially if you are a nurse! 

Here are the myths regarding the downside to taking a sabbatical, and I am here to bust them. 

Nurses don’t need breaks!

It is always mind-blowing to me the irony in nursing. We are caretakers, healers, and cheerleaders of our patients. And yet we don’t do the same for ourselves. We can do anything! In the various settings, the majority of nurses and even health care providers would not take breaks. In the emergency department, nurse practitioners would say 

“I can’t eat. There is no time for that.”

And they wear it as a badge of honor. I could never abide by it because I get “hangry” when I don’t eat. ( Yes, like the Snickers commercial!) Yet, we know the effects of not eating or hydrating, or taking breaks. If our patients look exhausted, we tell them to rest. We need to do the same!

I recently watched an episode of Abbott Elementary. One of the teachers was given 2 classes in the same classroom. She kept repeating to herself that she’s got it.

One of her peers said, “ We are an OG,we can do this!” The question really is you can do it.. you can do anything.. but do you really want to? Is it depleting you more than rejuvenating you? 

It is not a bad thing to say that you need a break! Nurses should take breaks. You are not weak or considered different. You are brave to recognize what you need and to move towards it. 

You can’t get a job after a sabbatical

 With the job market in it is current state, there is no scarcity when it comes to jobs in general. As a nurse, you will always be able to find a job. At times, we may let fear dictate our next steps because we are unsure if moving against the grain will give us what we truly desire. I, myself, fall victim to this train of thought.

In describing a sabbatical as rejuvenation and self-exploration, the outcome should not be focused on you finding another job. The focus should be on you finding the ideal job for you. Your needs in a role, how it supports your lifestyle and your family. In applying for a new position, be clear on what you want from the role to yourself. When preparing for the interview, practice how you will respond to the gap in your resume. Maybe you describe your reason for taking the break, your experience, and how it has helped you. Employers would love to know a new hire has the enthusiasm and or energy to start a new role. And if they don’t, then honey, that job is not for you. 

Will a sabbatical hurt my career?

Imagine you are watching a movie at home, and you leave the room to answer a call, when you return the movie is still going. You will have to play catch-up and either rewind or be debriefed on what happened. Same concept. You are walking away to take a break but work will keep moving. Promotions will occur. Your interim person may outshine your previous work. 

If the idea scares you, then a sabbatical may not be right for you at this time. However, if you truly are thinking of a sabbatical and know what you want out of it, none of those factors matter.

“And when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

The Alchemist – Paul Coelho

I genuinely believe in the universe conspiring for your good. With that being said, regardless if your sabbatical is paid or unpaid, or if you are in a leadership position, there will be a change when you return back to work from your sabbatical. You can view the change as damaging to your career or as an opportunity to start afresh. The choice is yours.  

I will be broke after a sabbatical

With proper planning, you will not be broke. Remember your sabbatical could be partially paid if it is through your employer. If you are taking an unpaid sabbatical, read my previous post on how to afford your sabbatical. I know it can be really scary…

But nurses, our skill sets are truly valuable in any field. There are opportunities to do something weekly or maybe monthly. If you are in a clinical unit, your sabbatical could look like going per diem and only doing the minimal. You don’t miss too much but you are not in the daily grind. 

Vaccine clinics are popular right now with the Covid Booster Shot, Monkeypox, or Flu vaccine needing to be given. These are great options that are typically low-key, with great use of your skill set and expertise, and usually not very demanding. These jobs can be found in a hospital, clinics, and on job boards. 

Teaching a simulation or a clinical is also another great way to add income during a sabbatical. Universities and colleges are ALWAYS looking for instructors. Dabbling in teaching will indeed expose you to new things. While the pay is not as great as a clinical role, the experience is invaluable. 

My experience

My sabbatical has truly been a blessing in disguise. I have explored teaching at my Alma Mater, starting a blog, working in a vaccine clinic, learning about business, and managing a tech company. I am not sure if all of these things would have occurred without my sabbatical. People will always discourage you if you are doing something against the norm. However, if you truly think a nurse sabbatical is for you, now is the time to make it happen….

I am here to have other nurses take a sabbatical. Send a comment or an email if you are interested in learning more.